How would you know if you need new suspension struts?

M

muffinsda

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Had the car in for service a couple of month ago with an allegedly "specialist" guy... not too sure if I would trust him that much. He said the front suspension is a bit "wobbly"(!?) and I need to replace the front struts, strut mounts, spring disc and bearing, and the cost of parts alone for that is around €500. As I said I'm not sure if he wasn't bull****ting me, so how would I assess if I really need new struts etc? I don't have any particular complaints about the suspension, it handles ok and rides comfortably. It's a bit on the light side, i.e. feels like you're on a boat at times but noting major. It's a 00 Saab 93. Any advice?
 
I think your specialist is probably correct.The "boat like floating feeling"is a sure sign of inadequate damping.Weak dampers creep up on you and your driving tends to compensate for the changing characteristics.Do any of your passengers complain of travel sickness/nausea?If you could get a drive in another 9-3 thats a bit newer or has had shocks changed recently you would find the difference dramatic.
 
thanks alot caff. Looks like I've to fork out the 600 then.
Do you think any aul mechanic can do the job or is it better for this kind of thing to go to a main dealer/specialist?
 
Its not a particularly big job for any garage worth their salt. 600 yo yo's seems a bit saucy for two struts.Try gsf car parts for prices,also see if you can get inserts instead of the complete strut.This is on the proviso that your struts aren't damaged/excessively corroded.
 

Hi. Thanks for the info. I wasn't going to replace the whole strut, just the insert. However the specialist guy said when you're replacing inserts its best to replace the mounts as well to avoid having to open the whole thing again in future when the mounts go (which he said they do go from time to time). Unfortunately the mounts are more expensive than the inserts themselves (130 each!). I could get Bilstein inserts for that price!
 
No I wouldn't change the top mounts unless the steering was very heavy.When the strut is out of the car you can inspect the top mounts. They should feel very smooth with your weight bearing on them.
 
caff said:
No I wouldn't change the top mounts unless the steering was very heavy.When the strut is out of the car you can inspect the top mounts. They should feel very smooth with your weight bearing on them.
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Thanks. My steering is not heavy, if any thing it's a bit on the light side. I probably get the guys in the garage to check it first.
 
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